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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Borough collects $785,000 in early refuse fees

The Borough of Northampton has collected a hefty sum from borough property owners who have taken advantage of discounts on their 2013 garbage bills.

At last Thursday's meeting, Councilman Robert Coleman, administration and finance chairman, reported the borough collected $785,000 on refuse bills for this year.

The final day to receive a reduced rate on the refuse bills was Feb. 15. Bills can be paid at the face amount from now until April 1, when a penalty will be assessed.

Garbage fee revenue represents pass-through money. The borough pays a private hauler to collect refuse from residences and businesses once a week throughout the year.

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In other business, the children's community Easter egg hunt will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23,on the grounds of the municipal park grounds, off Laubach Avenue, announced Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Jr., building, land, recreation committee chairman.

The hunt is open to borough residents up to age 10. After collecting the candy-filled plastic eggs, each participant will receive a large chocolate candy bunny.

The Easter Bunny will be available for free picture taking.

"As in the past, there will be an egg-stuffing seminar held in the lobby of borough hall on March 20, starting at 5:30 p.m.," borough Manager Gene Zarayko said. Council members and administrators, along with community volunteers, help place the candy into the plastic eggs.

Service Electric Cable TV is making its presence known. The borough received $4,342 from the company for the fourth quarter of 2012. The sum represents a share of revenue collected from subscribers.

Until recent years, RCN was the sole cable provider in the borough.

Recycling was also discussed at the meeting.

"Our electronic recycling program which was mandated by the state starting Jan. 24 has been very successful and we have filled another truckload. This will be the third load of electronics since we initiated the program in August 2012," Zarayko said.

Residents pay no fee when they bring TV sets, computers and other electronics to the borough's collection site.